Severe addictions require rigorous treatment for long-term recovery, which consists of 24-hour care in a hospital or residential setting. The client eats a variety of healthy foods during mealtimes throughout the day and adheres to a carefully constructed daily schedule of regular bedtimes, wake times, cardiovascular exercise, intensive psychotherapies and other therapeutic activities.
An inpatient treatment program removes the patient from his or her lifestyle of active drug or alcohol addiction, increasing the likelihood of program completion and successful recovery. Researchers agree that hospital inpatient addiction treatment for severe compulsions should take place for at least 90 days and may include a transition to outpatient addiction treatment, according to the specific needs of each patient.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse explains, “Treatment is highly structured and can be confrontational at times, with activities designed to help [clients] examine damaging beliefs, self-concepts, and destructive patterns of behavior and adopt new, more harmonious and constructive ways to interact with others.”
With new thought processes and established healthy habits, addiction patients can overcome cravings in early recovery, strengthen healthy coping and social skills, as well as mend important relationships, which enrich one’s lifestyle and determination to remain clean and sober for a long time to come.
